Translation guide
The English word 'tall' describes height, but Japanese uses different words for people, buildings, and other objects. The most common word is 高い (takai), which also means 'high' or 'expensive'. For people, 背が高い (se ga takai) is the natural phrase. There are also specific terms for tall buildings, trees, and mountains.
He is tall.
That woman is tall, isn't she?
Can be used for people in simple statements, but 背が高い is more common and clearer. 高い alone can also mean 'expensive' or 'high', so context is important.
Without context, 高い might be interpreted as 'expensive' or 'high' rather than 'tall'.
He is tall.
A noun meaning 'tall stature'. Often used in formal or written contexts, like describing someone's physical features.
He is tall (in stature).
To say something inanimate is tall or high.
The general word for 'tall/high' for objects. Works for buildings, trees, mountains, walls, etc.
That building is tall.
This tree is very tall.
Means 'high-rise' or 'tall building'. Used as a prefix or in compounds like 高層ビル (high-rise building).
A verb meaning 'to tower' or 'to rise high'. Used for mountains, buildings, etc., often in literary descriptions.
To state a specific height.
Pattern for stating a person's height. 身長 (shinchou) means 'height (of a person)'. Use ある for 'to have' or 'to be'.
He is 180 cm tall.
Pattern for stating the height of an object. 高さ (takasa) means 'height'.
The tower is 50 meters tall.
To express something difficult or exaggerated.
For people, 背が高い is the natural choice. 高い alone can be ambiguous. For objects, 高い is standard. Note that 高い also means 'expensive', so context is key.
This book is expensive. (Not 'tall')
Be careful: 高い can mean both 'tall/high' and 'expensive'. If you say このケーキは高い, it means 'This cake is expensive', not 'This cake is tall'.
高層ビルが立ち並んでいる。
Tall buildings stand in a row.
富士山がそびえている。
Mt. Fuji towers (tall).